Dion Dublin now delivers his verdict on Ollie Watkins' performance for England vs North Macedonia

After a frustrating night against North Macedonia, Dion Dublin has now backed Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to come good for England.

Dublin was speaking on Channel 4’s live coverage of the game and shared his thoughts when Watkins was replaced by Harry Kane.

Watkins had just 11 touches according to the commentary team, but Dublin did think he was making the right runs.

And the pundit thought Watkins still had a lot left to show in an England shirt.

Dublin said: “Yeah he was kind of starved tonight, Ollie Watkins.

“It was a difficult game for him, he made some really good runs and wasn’t found, maybe with one he was found, but he was offside anyway.

“It will be a frustrating night for Ollie Watkins, but he’s got a lot left to show us.

“He’s a talented footballer.”

And despite a difficult night, the striker does still currently look well placed for a spot at the Euros.

Watkins will need to maintain his impressive form for Villa, but he’s now in a strong position in England’s squad as Dublin will protest.

Dublin backs Villa’s Watkins to improve for England after tough night

Perhaps the soon-returning Ivan Toney could prove the biggest competition for Watkins next summer.

Gareth Southgate will be limited to a small squad and has insisted that he will look to take versatile players as a result.

And despite their qualities, both Watkins and Toney are out and out strikers, rarely used on the wing.

So with Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen both able to perform in a host of positions, striker spots could be limited.

Therefore, the importance of Watkins continuing his excellent form for Aston Villa under Unai Emery is plain for all to see.

Ivan Toney hasn’t played football for some time, so Watkins must currently hold the advantage.

And as Dublin suggests, there is the feeling that Villa’s Watkins still has untapped potential, something he’ll hope to prove for England.

Plenty of Villa players have been away over the break, and although Watkins was left frustrated, another Villa star was in excellent form for his country.